Bazemore: Hawks better than Cavs

Usually when a team have lost the opening two games of a
best-of-seven NBA play-off series morale is affected, but Atlanta
Hawks guard Kent Bazemore is still full of confidence.

The Hawks were swept aside 94-82 by the Cleveland Cavaliers in
Atlanta on Friday, as LeBron James and Co. took a commanding 2-0
series lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

James starred in the absence of injured guard Kyrie Irving,
scoring a game-high 30 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds at
Philips Arena.

However, Bazemore remains bullish about the Hawks' chances
heading into game three on Sunday.

"We played them in the regular season this year and got the best
of them," said Bazemore, whose team posted a 3-1 record against the
Cavs during the regular season.

"I still think we're the better team. We just haven't shown it
yet.

"The bright side is we haven't played well the first two games.
We still think we're the better team. We'll try to get two up in
Cleveland. We've got to play angry."

Atlanta forward DeMarre Carroll was not as brash as his
team-mate in his post-game conference, but insisted the Hawks have
not given up hope.

Carroll took his place on the court, despite struggling with a
left knee sprain, which limited him to just six points and three
rebounds in 33 minutes.

"We've been through a lot of obstacles this year, especially
these play-offs," Carroll said. "To be down 0‑2, we take it as the
first of four. Coach always tells us that. We take it one game at a
time. I think we're still confident.

"Nobody is in the locker room hanging their head, but at the end
of the day, we know we've just got to go out there and compete. We
haven't played Hawks basketball. So hopefully, we can take that on
the road."